New to quilting and a little freaked out! Haha
 

Hey everyone! I am new to quilting, well new to sewing actually! I have been watching my boss make quilts for years and have been longing to make my own. I am finally graduated from school, settled in a steady job and, gotta be honest here, have some extra money to spend on a new hobby, so I decided to jump into the pool!

I had never touched a sewing machine until a few months ago. I didn't even know what the bobbin was for! (I knew it existed, but I had had no reason to ever think about what it did! Haha) so I bought a machine and took a basic sewing class and started buying fabric! I have been making a few little things and I managed to make a cool Mug Rug for my mom and a Christmas table runner for my boss.

But......I am totally paralyzed to start another quilt project! I have bought a few craftsy.com classes, watched some youtube tutorials, i have a few books and I have big plans and ideas that i want to do. but i am totally stuck! I keep researching and reading blogs and reading the QB forums ;) just hoping that I can find the all of the info that I could possibly ever need! My main issue is that I am really freaked out about the cutting. I mean the squaring up of fabric, cutting a straight line, cutting the right size etc. I can only cut with my right hand on the right side of the ruler (my left side is really uncoordinated!) and it seems like the only video demonstrations I have been able to find, and even my boss, are lefties!

Does anyone have any advice? Anything that helped them out when they were just starting to learn?

Craftsy has a 2012 block of the month still up with video tutorials and is starting a 2013 BOM on Jan. 1. Maybe they would help you get started on a few blocks.

Have you looked at www.quiltinaday.com ? There are many videos there. Also YouTube has many, many good videos on everything quilting related.

Mostly you just have to do it. You will mess up. Think of those as opportunities to get more creative! Or you could start with some precuts. There are many patterns for charm packs and jelly rolls.

Hi from Pennsylvania,
I love the craftsy classes.
Try the craftsy block of the month class. The class will teach you several techniques for 20 different blocks. You can view these classes over and over again. I made a complete quilt and also machine quilted the project. You can also go to your nearest fabric store and see what classes are offered. I suggest start small, like a lap quilt and work your way up.

Thank you ladies! I just need to build up my courage! :)

Welcome from NJ! Just take the plunge! Find a small (lap - like lap size) pattern you like, buy your fabric and go for it. Your local quilt shop is your friend. They will help you. Look at some samples in the shop. You will make cutting and sewing mistakes - we all still do regardless of how long we've been doing this. You are in the majority being a right-handed cutter. Your LQS should be able to give you some pointers there as well. Enjoy the process and don't sweat the small stuff.

you are not going to be picasso with the first quilt. I promise you will not cut perfectly, you will make a ton of mistakes, the quilt will still be usable and loved.The second gets better and so on!!Enjoy!!

Welcome from NE Ohio.

Welcome to the QB from North Carolina :). Glad you could join us.

I looked on the internet for ideas / tutorials / etc. and you could always check out your local library for how-to books.

Beckie

Hi from Ohio!

Just be patient :thumbup: Welcome from Adrian, MI